Free Ever, Sarah by C.E. Hansen

don’t remember me, as long as you know I love you. You do know that, don’t you?”
    “Yes, mother.” I said dutifully, unsure of how to respond.
    “Bradley, she looks and sounds just like my girl.”
    “She is your girl Ronnie.”
    Now there’s another tidbit to remember, Mother…Ronnie and Bradley are close. It was a warm mutual relationship they shared, that was obvious, and it brought me solace in some way.
    “Sarah, you are looking well. A few weeks here, with this one spoiling you rotten and you’ll get some much needed weight on. Are you eating darling?”
    “She’s got a ravenous appetite. Eats like a locust.”
    “That’s what I want to hear.”
    “Stop talking about me like I’m not sitting here.” I said jokingly, but with an underlying serious tone in my voice.
    They both turned to look at me.
    “Oh Sarah, we…darling.” She sat next to me and took my hand in hers, “you have to understand, there were times when we thought you might never wake up. I am just beside myself with happiness.”
    “I know; I’m sorry. It came out wrong.”
    “In fact, I think it would be good for you to come visit me, see the house, your old room. Maybe something there will jolt some of those memories out into the open.”
    “That’s a great idea Ronnie.” Bradley took a step closer to where we both sat. “As it turns out, I’ve got to go to the office tomorrow and I don’t like leaving Sarah here by herself. Even with Terry in the house. I’d just rather be here with her myself.”
    I saw the knowing look pass between the two of them.
    “I would like that I think.” I added in my two cents.
    “Then it’s settled. I’ll send Peter for you tomorrow.”
    My ‘mother’ was quite pleased with her idea.
    “I’ve got a 9:00 meeting, so I should be leaving for the city about eight am.”
    “I’ll have Peter here at, well what time would you like to come over Sarah. You’re typically an early riser.”
    “Well, then have him come at nine. That gives me time to shower and get ready after Bradley leaves.”
    “It’s so cute to hear her call you Bradley.” Veronica said to Bradley.
    “Why, what did I used to call you?” I said curiously.
    “Brad. You just called me Brad.”
    “Well then I’ll call you Brad. What did you call me?”
    “Sarah.”
    I extended my hand, “pleased to meet ya Brad.” I said.
    They both laughed, Brad shook his head as his eyes met mine and I knew at that moment he was thinking one thing…that I was corny.
    Veronica, ‘mother’, stayed for an espresso Brad made her. When she rolled her eyes back in delight I asked if I drink them. He said no and explained how it would keep me up all night if I had one drop of caffeine after two in the afternoon.
    “I’ll have a tea then, Earl Grey.” I was definitive.
    “That is actually your favorite tea.”
    There was another flash in the back of the brain.
    “I knew that. I knew that. Just think, if this keeps happening at this rate I’ll be myself in…oh, about five years.”
    They both laughed. I guess that was funny.
    “Well, I’m going to get going.” Veronica ‘mother’ stood up. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sarah.” She leaned in and hugged me tight to her. I stood there holding my breath, my arms hanging down straight by my sides. There was something familiar about the way she smelled and without thinking I reached out and wrapped my arms around her midsection and squeezed her back. It just felt right.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I smiled and looked at Brad.
    “Why don’t you plan on coming for dinner Bradley? Trudy would love to see you.”
    “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, I’ll be there.” Brad answered.
    I just smiled. I definitely had some strong minded and opinionated people in my life and I had to admit, I liked it. I was beginning to feel like I belonged…whoever I am.

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Opening my eyes, I saw Brad’s face close to mine. He’d just rubbed my cheek with the back of